Suikoden VI

Chapter Five: Part One

Note: A new poll was released when this chapter was first posted that is still ongoing. I'll copy the poll here and you if you would like to participate leave your choice in a comment. I'll count it towards the final total.

Poll: What sort of government should Nagarea have after the war?

- less radicalized Theocracy

- Kingdom

- Queendom

-  Republic

- Federation

- Other

—

Chapter Five: Part One

One week later...

Mlkwt Alsmwat, capital of Nagarea

The last time Adalgiso had stepped foot in the Grand Citadel was forty-nine years ago, when his grandfather was still alive. His grandfather had been a High Cleric, and even though the family lived in Farna and not the capital they still had quite a lot of political standing. The place however had intimidated him greatly as a child, and he remembered hiding his face in his mother's skirts for almost their entire visit.

Now, as he sat waiting outside the corridor leading to the Blessed Chamber, that same anxiety began to flare up once more. He looked down at his hands and let out a shaky sigh. He honestly did not know what was going to happen. Would they be punished for their failure? Or would they be granted leniency in light of the situation?

I've never seen so many people die at once, not even after all these years of military service. The men and women who served under us fell so quickly, and many of them didn't even see their deaths coming. Adalgiso clenched his hands into fists. I should have done something. I should have tried to stop that monster. How could I not have seen him until after he killed over a hundred of our soldiers? With so many of our soldiers lost, it's no wonder the High Clerics have summoned the Sheikh for a hearing over what happened.

He went still then, and slowly unclenched his fists. He didn't want to think about it anymore.

Thankfully, the double doors to the Blessed Chamber swung open. Adalgiso immediately leapt to his feet as Sheikh Sloan Faakhir stormed out of the Chamber. Two guards standing to attention jumped out of his way, but Adalgiso quickly approached him. "Sheikh," he greeted, saluting his commander. "How did the hearing go?"

"They admonished me for my failure," Sloan told him sharply, coming to a stop before him. "The Lady Matron however spoke on my behalf and told them the situation was out of my control. She even gave a name for the beast who challenged our forces."

"It has a name?!" Adalgiso asked.

Sloan shrugged stiffly. "She called him Yuber, and told the High Clerics that he was not human and possessed a True Rune. In light of this information, the High Clerics only gave me a warning and did not strip me of my command."

Adalgiso blinked slowly. "That's a relief, but...how did the Lady Matron know the name of that monster?"

"Does it matter?" Sloan demanded in a sharp tone. Adalgiso however did not flinch. "No it doesn't, my Lord."

"None of it matters," Sloan said. They began walking down the corridor. "Once we return to the Garrison, we will round up our troops and launch another assault on the fortress of those traitors once again."

"My Lord!" Adalgiso sputtered impulsively. Sloan glared at him and Adalgiso steadied his voice. "My Lord, we suffered catastrophic losses in that battle. And those that were not killed are still recuperating with serious injuries. Even multiples uses of Water and Wind Runes are not helping them with their recoveries. Given the circumstances, I believe we should refrain from launching another strike on the Liberation Army headquarters so soon."